I seem to recall that in the past Northwest made its own seat safety cards. They were large, stiff, and glossy, and featured both color and black & white photos of the aircraft in Northwest service. There were also photos of evacuation procedures, etc. Now, when I fly Northwest, these cards seem to have been replaced with a rather generic card that doesn't feature any airline's livery or identifying marks. Instead of photos, the images are drawings that somehow look like they're from the 80s. What's going on?

The cards were replaced for two reasons:
1. The dated photos were a distraction in themsleves
2. Its cheaper to buy off the rack safety information cards (the cards do have a NWA logo and aircraft type printed on the front.)

Also, the drawn pictures can help illustrate key parts of emergency procedures/safety items (e.g. making sure you pull the oxygen mask to release the pin) that may not be immediately clear with photos.

I have to admit though, looking at the hairstyles on those NWA safety cards really make me smile.